Joan A. Mikula (nee Kikta), age 80, of Dyer, formerly of Hammond, peacefully passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2024. Joan's vibrant life was shaped by her roots on the south side of Chicago, where her youthful spirit thrived. In her early years, she worked downtown and cherished moments taking her sister on Illinois Central rides for city shopping adventures.

Throughout her life, Joan's creativity flourished in various forms. She was not only a dedicated homemaker and caregiver, but also a skilled cosmetologist, embracing her talent for hairstyling. Her artistic flair extended to macramé and crochet, where she poured her passion into creating intricate pieces. She was a dedicated parishioner at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Hammond, Indiana.

Joan also contributed to the community as a cafeteria lady for Hammond Public Schools. Her caring nature and warm presence touched the lives of those she encountered.

Joan is survived by her loving children, Mark Mikula and Nicole (Julio) Ramirez, cherished granddaughter Nora Ramirez, and four devoted sisters, Adele (David) Zlevor, Florence Perez-Reynolds, Marion (Michael) Giannini, and Eileen (Robert) Schleicher, as well as a host of beloved nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbors and friends. She valued the caring staff of the Dyer Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, who attended to her in her final years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Stella Kikta, and her daughter, Michelle M. Mikula (1967-1977) and her husband, Joseph V. Mikula, Jr. (1942-2017)

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, January 19, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Solan-Pruzin Funeral Home, 14 Kennedy Ave., Schererville, IN. A Service Celebrating Joan's Life will be held at 5:00 PM. The funeral services will conclude at the funeral home, and burial will be private.

Joan will be remembered not only for her roles as a tender and loving mother, grandmother and sister, but also as a woman whose creativity and warmth left an indelible mark on all those fortunate enough to have known her.